I USED TO BE ALL ABOUT OUTER SUCCESS, at the same time, I realized that an unspoken sense of incompleteness lingered beneath the surface. I never knew what was missing, only that something didn’t quite add up. Looking back, I see that life was quietly preparing me for dharma, thanks to a supportive partner, a mother-in-law immersed in Buddhist study, and the freedom to travel when opportunities arose.

One of my first encounters with the dharma happened quite by chance at a Buddhist center in Friesland, The Netherlands, where my husband volunteered. I wasn’t really expecting anything profound. I simply sat through a few teachings in Tibetan and Dutch from the resident teacher, Lama Gawang.  I didn’t speak either language and felt more like an observer than a seeker. Then, unexpectedly, a visiting lama from Taiwan named Sutrul Rinpoche looked my way and, in English, said, “I’m so happy you met the dharma.” At that moment, a flood of emotion and then tears surprised me. It wasn’t a dramatic, scripted epiphany; rather, it was a gentle unlocking of feelings I hadn’t yet put into words.

I became thirsty for more knowledge to understand the meaning of teachings I had encountered so far. I felt I needed an authentic teacher I could connect with, meaning he had to teach in a language I could directly understand. A short while after meeting Sutrul Rinpoche, my mother-in-law casually mentioned a book she’d brought back from Bodhgaya — The Joy of Living by Mingyur Rinpoche. She shared how meeting him had left an impression. He was super funny, she said. I flipped through a few pages right then. What I read felt refreshingly clear: Mingyur Rinpoche spoke of meditation as something practical, woven into everyday life — whether you’re washing dishes or navigating a tough day at work. That insight struck me, and I ordered a copy of the book on the spot.

Then, in 2009, my husband and I traveled to Canada. I’ve always been mindful of the fact that not everyone has the luxury of blending leisure with spiritual pursuits, and I feel immense gratitude for that chance. Meeting Mingyur Rinpoche in person was both comforting and challenging. He was warm, down-to-earth, and even a bit playful. When I nervously asked if he would be my teacher, he laughed and joked that we’d need a “big ceremony.” That lighthearted response, paired with his sincere kindness, didn’t just reassure me — it deepened my commitment to truly explore these teachings.

I still carry with me plenty of questions — about whether I am idealizing a tradition that is not originally mine, how spiritual practices and the practicalities of life (like money) intertwine, and whether meditation practice could truly reshape my day-to-day experience. Instead of dismissing these doubts, I began to see them as part of the journey—a way to deepen my understanding rather than a flaw in my search.

As I began working through the Joy of Living program, I noticed that transformation didn’t come in one grand flash. It was more like layers slowly peeling away over time — small shifts that added up. That awareness eventually seeped into my work life. I began to see that leadership wasn’t about exerting control but listening deeply and responding with empathy. Simple practices like pausing during stressful moments transformed not only how I handled conflict but also how I connected with my colleagues. I came to appreciate that the privilege of my experiences carried a responsibility — to honor the teachings and the teachers who made them accessible and to approach every interaction with compassion and humility.

Even now, I continue to meet the dharma in unexpected ways. One particularly meaningful period was its recent role in my recovery from a serious health issue. In those quiet moments of sitting with my breath, I discovered a calm that steadied me when I felt most vulnerable. 

Each new question or insight feels like another layer revealed — reminding me that growth is a continuous journey. To be honest, I am still about outer success as I recognize we have to manage day-to-day realities, but now I feel my life is much more balanced with an inner clarity, a gift from dharma. That ongoing reflection keeps me honest, making my practice richer every day.

Ultimately, I’m deeply thankful for everyone who’s helped guide me along this path — from my supportive family to the lamas who share their wisdom with genuine warmth. Their compassion and deep kindness have given me a sense of home that I carry with me, no matter where I am.

April 2025